BY PETE MOHR | AUGUST 11, 2011

“America’s Team,” baseball and softball, enjoy their travel to Italy

ITALY – July 20-29. Whether touring ancient sites (Rome’s Colosseum) or refreshing with a gelato in Verona, the accompanying photos show that “America’s Team,” high school baseball and softball players, banked lifetime memories on their recent “expedition” to Italy. The baseball players hailed from north Scottsdale and Rio Rancho, N.M. and were coached by CSHS Head Baseball Coach Guy Gianni and Rio Rancho’s Ron Murphy. The softball ladies, also from north Scottsdale and Plano Texas, were led by Lady Falcons Head Coach Danica Gianni and Plano’s Kelly Archer.

“America’s Team” organizes travel abroad for high school athletes. The company, based in Overland Park, Kan., is the enterprise of Mr. Brigham Joy, his inspiration being a similar trip he enjoyed in his high school years.

Against older opposition, baseball broke even at 3-3. The gals fared better, winning five of their six games played. Both teams found international competition an interesting experience, the same for the hospitality extended by their Italian hosts.

The Coaches Gianni to Sonoran News: “We all – coaches, chaperones and especially the kids – had a fabulous trip!” But after a week’s experience shepherding high schoolers in a different culture, Danica Gianni appreciatively exclaimed, “God Bless the USA!”

After Tuesday’s afternoon practice, Head Football Coach Greg Davis thoughtfully introduced this writer to his new defensive coordinator, Peter James “P.J” Green, 40, a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his father, Jeff Green, was on the staff of legendary Michigan head football coach (now deceased) Bo Schembechler, before coaching the offensive line at the U of A, 1973-1976. He presently coaches the Malberg (Germany) “Mercenaries” in the German Football League, which allows only three U.S. players on each roster.

“P.J.” to Sonoran News: “Football’s been in my blood,” as he laid out a gridiron “pedigree” that would “choke a goat!” His most recent coaching position was 2007-2009, at Gilbert’s Williams Field High School, where he mentored the Black Hawks’ defense, special teams and quarterbacks.

But perhaps his most meaningful “coaching” post came last year at Chaparral High School where he taught landscaping skills to “special needs’ students. He worked on a pilot project with CCUSD’s Ms. Janet Holt, who directs the District’s programs for “special needs” children. Aware that Cactus Shadows was looking to hire an English teacher, she introduced “P.J.” to Principal Steve Bebee, who knew that Head Football Coach Greg Davis was still searching for a defensive coordinator. “P.J.” was hired for both posts on August 1, which, by coincidence, was his 13th wedding anniversary. He and wife, the former Katie (Fennell), were married in 1998. They currently live in south Scottsdale, parenting young sons Charlie, turning six in December, and Andy, two in November.

Coach Green is “doubling up to catch up” on installing his preferred “3-5” defense: three down linemen (two defensive ends and a nose tackle), five linebackers and a three-member secondary (two cornerbacks and one free safety). In this defensive scheme, the two outside linebackers are termed “bullets,” required to drop back into pass defense, when necessary. “We have the tools … good kids. It’s always up to the kids,” he pointedly told this writer. “We’ve made huge strides the last couple of practices.”

Falcon coaches and players are expected to provide “creative” innovations at designated tee boxes and greens

This “threesome” (CSHS children in parentheses) is coordinating the Falcons Athletic Club’s “Fairway Classic” fundraiser at Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club, Saturday morning, Aug. 20: (c.) FAC President Brad Mayer (junior Connor); (l.) Joe Daniel (senior Saul Monteon); and (r.) Pat Goulet (sophomore Reilly). A 7 a.m. shotgun start will beat the heat, so c’mon, golfers! Sign up (no later than 6 p.m., Aug. 18) to support Cactus Shadows athletics and meet Falcon coaches and players, who’ll be on hand to greet you at various stations on the course.Photo by Pete Mohr

CAVE CREEK – August 9. “The early bird gets the worm.” So holds the familiar adage. But at Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club, 7 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, the “early birds” will be golfers who’ll tee off in the 1st Annual “Falcons Fairway Classic,” sponsored by the Falcons Athletic Club. Proceeds from the not-so-serious “Classic,” will benefit Cactus Shadows athletics while giving participating golfers a chance to meet Falcon coaches and their players who’ll be stationed at designated tee boxes and greens.

FAC President Brad Mayer to Sonoran News: “This is a fun opportunity for Falcon fans who are golfers to support Cactus Shadows athletics – and to meet the coaches and certain of their players – at least those young athletes who’re willing to rise and shine for a worthy cause before 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning!”

Register online at www.falconsathleticclub.org no later than 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18. At the event, check-in will open at 6 am. Cart and range balls are included. Remittances should be directed to FAC, P.O. Box 2692, Carefree, AZ 85377.

The $125 entry fee will be allocated as follows: $50 will be contributed to the CSHS sport of the participant’s designation; $50 in vouchers to be invested (at the participant’s choices) in the corporate-sponsored contests at designated holes; and $25 toward the course fee and noontime buffet lunch, which will be served after the last “scramble” foursome has completed play.

Great friends! Great golf! Great fun! Great cause! Great eats! “F-O-R-E!” for the Falcons.

BY PETE MOHR | AUGUST 10, 2011

Fledgling ‘Birds (JVs) in good coaching hands

Head Football Coach Greg Davis (c.) introduced his JV coaches to Sonoran News following Tuesday’s practice. Defensive Coordinator Andy Gladstone (l.) and Offensive Coordinator Tanner Marano (r.) will lead the JV squad as co-head coaches. A strong and talented JV is an important source of manpower/depth for the varsity Falcons, especially in the first five “hot weather” games of the season. Watch these younger Falcons fledge!Photo by Pete Mohr

BY PETE MOHR | AUGUST 10, 2011

Meet the Football Falcon seniors …
Bryan Linn

From my long-ago Atlanta, Georgia residency, 1972 – 1987, I’m remembering a very popular (and able) Governor George Busbee, now many years deceased. He was first elected governor using this campaign slogan: “A Workhorse, Not a Showhorse.” Although he’s obviously much younger, the same slogan would describe Bryan James Linn. Or as Head Football Coach Greg Davis observed several days ago, “it seems like Bryan Linn is always around, doing whatever he can to help out.” That’s Bryan Linn, alright, a very quiet, personable “workhorse.”

For the 2011 Falcons, who’ll open at Boulder Creek, Friday evening, August 26, Bryan Linn is working hard to earn a start as one of new Defensive Coordinator “P.J.” Green’s linebackers, and “hoping for some playing time at fullback.” Linn told me, “I want to put up some stats this season … make my share of tackles and maybe get a few picks.” Whatever success may come his way on the football field, Bryan Linn will deserve it.

Bryan was born Feb. 1, 1994 in Germantown, Wis. He is the youngest of Creekers Jeff and Sharon Linn’s three sons. His older brothers David, 27, and Marcus, 26, are also Creekers. The Linns moved to Cave Creek in 2005. Bryan, now grown to a stocky 5’8”, 200 lbs., first played organized football as a Sonoran Trails 6th grader. This will be his fourth season as a Football Falcon.

Why does he play? “I love football! Hitting people,” he enthuses. “And being on a team that’s like one big family – and a part of the community. Everybody coming out to see us play on Friday nights, that’s awesome!”

And “awesome” is how Bryan describes his favorite football memory from the 2010 home opener against Cienega: “Coming out of the locker room and running onto the field with the team … that was awesome!”

How does he see these Falcons? “We definitely should make the Playoffs. We’ve had a lot of new stuff to learn under Coach Davis, but I think we have a good grasp on everything now. Coach Davis is a great guy, a really good person both on and off the field.” About the class of 2012: “We seniors need to mentor the younger guys … to lead by example.”

Rating himself “an average student,” Bryan lists Math as his favorite subject, using a superlative to praise Mr. Russ Del Grosso as “the coolest teacher I’ve ever had. He’s hilarious!” Post-graduation, NAU is on his collegiate horizon, where he’ll likely pursue a major in Math or Science. He’s not expecting to play football at the next level.

“What else do I need to know about Bryan Linn?” I asked him. His immediate response, “Write about my parents. They keep pushing me to do my best and are always there for me. They’re the best!”

I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting Jeff and Sharon Linn, but I’m confident in confirming what I’m pretty sure they already know: their “workhorse” son is determined to live up to their – and his – expectations. That’s the Bryan Linn this senior profile salutes.

AUGUST 10, 2011

International Exchange Students coming to Arizona this fall

A local Non Profit Exchange Program is inviting local families to host international high school students for the 2011-2012 school year. These students will integrate themselves into a local family with the goal of experiencing American culture as an American high school student does. In turn they will provide insight into their own culture. STS Foundation is proud to have facilitated these relationships for over 25 years. The teenage students come from over 30 countries and will attend local high schools. The students have their own spending money and insurance. Host families are responsible for meals, a separate place to sleep and a nurturing environment. STS Foundation will have a local coordinator that will supervise the student and support the family throughout the school year.

Here are some of the incoming students that are seeking families:

Louise is from Denmark. She lives in a small town about 30 miles from Copenhagen with her parents. She has 2 older sisters no longer at home. Louise enjoys swimming at a very high level. She also enjoys horse riding, scuba diving and she teaches swimming to children. Her parents describe her as being a very positive girl with many interests. Her teacher says that “any school and host family would be lucky to get to know her.”

Elfin is from a small village in Sweden where she lives with her parents and younger sister. Elfin enjoys cooking and baking. She says that the family who chooses her will learn a lot about Swedish food and culture. She also plays the violin and sings in a choir. Her teachers describe her as being thoughtful and kind. Her mother says “you will share a lot of happy moments and memories with her.”

For questions about these and other students, call or e-mail Mona Jones 479-774-8305 or e-mail info@stsfoundation.org

STS Foundation is non-profit Student Exchange Program that is dedicated to opening hearts and homes to exchange students around the world.Visit us at: www.stsfoundation.org